SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: HONEY BEARD – REVERIE EP

Today, the dance-driven four-track Reverie is released to the world. Recorded in Toronto and mixed and mastered in London, England, the EP follows Toronto-based synth duo, Honey Beard’s full albums: Dreamless Sleep and Thousand Million Things.

Reverie came about after a short tour by band members Gaz and Tom. They wanted to embark upon a more emotionally-driven exploration of their synth sound. And they did. The EP opens up with an ethereal title track, full of airy soundscapes and heavy-reverbed vocals, and drums à la 1984 (but not cheesy). The strong, driving rhythms and vocals of “Asleep By The Sea” culminate in a powerful bridge before drifting off into the stabbing synths of “Dancing Alone”, a nod to Depeche Mode, kings of dark wave. I particularly enjoyed the stark contrast of “Oh My Friend.” The juxtaposition of a phat bass, high-pitched drum pattern, and arpeggiated chord progression brings depth and a robust finish to an EP demonstrative of Honey Beard’s evolution.

Reverie will make you soar into 2019 with its strong melodies, catchy hooks, addictive synth lines and robust vocals.

Talia Wooldridge is an avid music lover, composer and ethnomusicologist who contributes artist interviews, live concerts, festivals and album reviews for Spill Magazine. She has written extensively on the intersection of music, personal identity and cultural symbolism with an early focus on Latin American Hip Hop and female Cuban rappers. In her spare time, Talia writes, composes music and manages Music Can Heal, a non-profit that brings live, award-winning musicians to inspire healing in hospitals, hospices and communities in need. Her next project is an interactive music-travelogue exploring music cultures and music travel around the globe. Follow her here: www.taliawooldridge.com + www.movetoyourownbeat.com.